Brett Mahoney ran onto the Rec Reserve for his 200th senior game on Saturday with the same grit, grin and gumption that’s defined his career since day one.
By day’s end, the milestone man had helped deliver Mansfield one of its most memorable wins — a stunning win over previously undefeated ladder leaders Kyabram.
A product of the Mansfield junior system, Mahoney’s football journey has been nothing short of outstanding.
From representing Victoria in the U15 Schoolboys side to a TAC Cup premiership with the Murray Bushrangers and an early senior debut in 2005, he has always been a standout.
After a 2009 premiership and best-and-fairest wins in 2010, 2022 and 2024, Mahoney took his talents west, playing 97 WAFL games, winning the club best-and-fairest in 2013, and featuring in back-to-back premierships in 2014 and 2015.
Fast forward nearly two decades from his debut, Mahoney was chaired from the field after another trademark performance: tough, tireless, and team-first.
"My first senior game was in 2006 when I was 16," Mahoney recalled.
"I still remember it pretty clearly.
"I reckon I had one kick and one handball.
"It was a wet, dreary day and not much fun.
"I can’t even remember if we won or lost, but it was the start of the journey.”
It’s a journey that’s taken him from the backyard battles of his youth to premierships in the GVL, the WAFL, and right back home to where it all began.
Since returning to Mansfield in 2017, Mahoney has continued to lead by example both on and off the field.
He has been a six-time interleague representative, captained the side in 2022, and was selected for AFL Vic Country in 2019.
His professionalism, humility, and ability to inspire have made him the ultimate role model — admired by teammates, coaches and supporters alike.
"It starts with Mum and Dad,” he said when asked about the biggest influences on his footy journey.
"They’ve done a lot of miles over the years, travelling to junior games and always supporting me.
"They’ve been there every step of the way.
"My brothers, too; growing up with three older brothers meant a lot of time in the backyard, learning to play, trying to keep up with them.
"That toughens you up—there was a lot of backyard cricket and footy, and it was always competitive.
"At the club, I’ve been lucky to play alongside close mates like Adam Boshevski and Jimmy Herridge; we’re still playing together now.
"Bosh and I came through juniors together, and now we’ve played a lot of senior footy too.
"When you’ve got mates like that, you push each other to improve."
He’s been backed every step of the way by his wife Gabrielle, parents Steve and Heather, and brothers Adam, Troy and Jarrad — making his 200th game not just a personal milestone but a moment of pride for the whole MFNC community.
Mahoney's quiet drive caught the attention of former Mansfield Eagles coach Craig Kelly, now CEO at Collingwood FC.
"I coached Brett when he was a kid when we won a flag against Kyabram in 2009, and even then, he stood out,” Kelly said.
"He was quiet, hardworking, could run all day, and most importantly, he listened and learned.
"That ability to absorb and apply feedback was a key part of why he—along with a few other young kids—helped make that team a great one."
Kelly’s admiration stretches beyond the boundary line.
"What I’ve always loved, not just about Brett but the whole Mahoney family, is how embedded they are in the club," he said.
"They’ve all done so much voluntary work over the years.
"It’s something special when you can contribute on and off the field."
When asked what’s kept him coming back each season, Mahoney’s answer was simple.
"It’s the love of football," he said.
"I love playing the game and everything it brings each Saturday: the competitiveness, the challenge.
"Then there’s the weekly routine—going to training, catching up with mates, the connection you have through a footy club.
"That’s been a really significant part of my life."
It’s a sentiment Kelly says lies at the heart of country footy and the game more broadly.
“People like Brett are vital, not just to country footy, but right across the game, even at AFL level," he said.
"It’s one of the unique things about our sport.
"These clubs—whether it’s Mansfield or Collingwood—aren’t privately owned, they belong to the members.
“I remember when Brett and Adam (Boshevski) came down and played VFL at Collingwood; they learned a lot and I was lucky to help guide them in that direction.
“Then Brett had the opportunity to go to Perth and experience footy over there, which again is part of what makes our game so great—it takes you places."
Back at home, the Mansfield footy club has evolved over time; yet the things that matter most have stayed the same.
“It means a lot,” Mahoney said of the 200-game milestone.
“I’m really proud to have reached 200 games, especially with my home club, the place I came as a kid, watching the senior players run around.
“Over time, the club changes, but in a lot of ways it doesn’t.
"It’s still a place where people come to play and watch footy; that community spirit is still the same as when I started.
“What’s special now is seeing young players come through—some of the boys I’m playing with now are kids I coached in Auskick or juniors.
"That’s pretty special.”
For Mansfield Football Netball Club president Bo Christopher, the milestone is the very definition of what makes a great club man.
“When the question is asked what makes a great club the answer is normally based around culture, driving standards, leadership, loyalty and family,” Christopher said.
“Brett has all of the above and more.
"His and his family’s love and dedication for this footy club is second to none (mum Heather has been secretary for last 25 years).
"His football resume on field speaks for itself, off field he’s continually giving back to the club, passing on his knowledge to our juniors program and continually volunteering his time where needed.
"When future generations talk about Mansfield’s best player, Brett Mahoney will be top of those conversations."
Craig Kelly said Mahoney’s commitment speaks volumes about his character.
"When I was coaching, I probably gave a few too many sprays—I was a bit of a dinosaur by the end," he said with a laugh.
"But Brett never sooked.
"He just got on with it, got out there and did what needed to be done.
"Now you’ve got the next generation coming through, and you hope they see that example and one day want to give something back too.
"Because that’s what the Mahoneys do."
As for what’s next?
“Now, I just want to enjoy every moment I get to play," said Mahoney.
“You never know how long you’ve got left, and I’m definitely closer to the end than the start.
“But I’d love to make another grand final and have a crack at the ultimate success.
“That’s always the goal—to be vying for premierships.”
And if Saturday’s win over the Bombers is anything to go by, the Eagles might just be flying toward one.